THE WALL OF FACES

I lost a friend I know not why, it's awful shame you had to die ,just 21 and handsome to , you gave up your life for the red white and blue and now you're gone to a .place of rest and I know you'll be with the very best.. My dad wrote that for you John, you were part of our family and we love you ,????????????????????thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice love Cindi Campanello??

JOHN, KNOWN TO THOSE CLOSE TO HIM AS "JACK", WAS A LONG TIME CHILDHOOD FRIEND. WE GREW UP ON THE SAME COUNTRY ROAD AND OUR PARENTS WERE VERY GOOD FRIENDS. WE WOULD SPEND CHRISTMAS EVE TOGETHER FOR DINNER AND OUR PARENTS DANCING TO MUSIC ON RECORD ALBUMS. JACK AND MY BROTHER PLAYED TOGETHER AND I WOULD PLAY WITH JACK'S YOUNGER SISTER. SHE & I TOOK DANCE LESSONS TOGETHER. JACK AND MY BROTHER PLAYED HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TOGETHER. JACK AND I WERE FRIENDS UP TIL THE TIME HE LEFT FOR THE MARINES; I NEVER SAW HIM AGAIN.
I'LL NEVER FORGET THE DAY WE HEARD THE NEWS OF HIS DEATH. MY FIRST BORN CHILD WAS 6 WEEKS OLD, IT WAS ON THANKSGIVING DAY. I STILL LIVED AT HOME NEAR HIS PARENTS AND SISTER.
JACK WAS A GREAT YOUNG MAN, TAKEN WAY BEFORE HIS TIME. REST IN PEACE JACK. NEVER, EVER FORGOTTEN.

I never met John. He was killed before I was born. I grew up a few houses away and still live in his neighborhood. I sent away and received a rubbing of his name that I framed and will have hanging on my wall for years to come. Thank you for your service John.

John and I became acquainted and shared some of our past the night before he was killed during Operation Meade River in Vietnam on Thanksgiving Day, 1968. I was impressed with his concern for his squad members and his bravery. He was an inspiration to us all, and I'm thankful he was a friend, even though briefly. May God bless and comfort all who knew John.

Semper Fi, Marine.